Badrinath Temple, Hindu temple in Chamoli district, India
Badrinath Temple is a Hindu shrine in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state, India, located at 3,300 meters elevation along the Alaknanda River. The structure rises about 50 feet and features a gilded roof with a conical tower that crowns the main sanctum.
In the 9th century, Adi Shankara found a black stone figure in the Alaknanda and established a shrine here to revive the pilgrimage route. The site has undergone multiple renovations over the centuries, with later rulers from Garhwal making important contributions.
The name comes from 'Badri,' a type of wild berry that once grew abundantly in the surrounding valleys. Pilgrims typically bathe in the thermal spring before entering the inner sanctum, following a practice that has continued for many generations.
The site remains accessible from late April through early November, as winter months are too cold and snowy for visits. Warm clothing is advisable even in summer, since temperatures can drop considerably during the day.
A natural hot spring called Tapt Kund sits near the entrance and retains its warmth throughout the year, even in freezing conditions. The figure inside is carved from black granite and sits in Padmasana, adorned with a golden crown and a diamond.
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